From almost everything which I've read and heard, a Russian, if the higher price is acceptable. But I'm still a gun novice. Some buddies who have owned lots of SKS or other similar semi-auto rifles all prefer the Russian if price is no factor.
Have you also researched 'SKSboards'?
If not, you might be surprised by the intimate knowledge of many people.
They have forums for different countries of origin, but can be a bit confusing.
Most people there seem to rank them by Russian, then Yugo or Romanian, Albanian, (Chinese) Norinco, but I could be mistaken. A guy offered me an unfired Norinco one year ago for $200 and it is my only SKS.
The more popular origins produced them with milled receivers. Two very good Russians at our show one week ago were both listed at about $425.
Location: Athol Idaho but mainly in the detention room
Posts: 321
I like the yugo because of the accessories and cool stuff on it. The russians are nce but for the price you could trick out a yugo and make it way better than the russian
Russians are best of course. After them, German, Romanian, or early Chinese. Later Chinese started cutting corners and while they're still good rifles, I don't consider them to be as good as the first. Albanian I've heard are really good, but they're also rather rare and will cost more. A Yugo will be in there somewhere depending on condition. I rate them near the bottom because the lack of a chrome lined barrel and they weren't made as consistently. Parts sometimes have to be fitted to make them work if you replace something. For what you get, I'd say buy a Chinese. If you manage to get an early production, they're pretty much identical to the Russians except not as pretty. Later Chinese are still good as I said before though. I have a later model and my dad as an early model. His is more accurate, but I've never had a major problem with mine.
Location: "...upon the east bank of Big Blue River, a mile or two north of the point where that stream crosses the Michigan road"
Posts: 1,646
I own a Yugo. It is well constructed and a bit "beefier" that the other variants. It is very reliable with any ammo. The only draw back is the lack of a chromed chamber. That just means clean it immediately after shooting, which I would do regardless.
My next choice would be a Russian since the SKS was their design.
I just noticed you are from the Peoples Republik of Kalifornia. To own a Yugo, I believe you'll have to remove the grenade launcher.
Thanks guys. I'm liking the idea of a Russian...less political unrest in the gun cabinet with the Mosins (LOL). I have a friend up Oregon way with a Yugo...seems to be a decent gun...but yes, here in Kali we can't hunt deer with grenade launchers...the whole idea scares poor Nancy Pelosi into a fit of panty wetting. 'Spoze I could remove it and spin on a brake in its place...but the Russian version is sounding about right.
It seems I'm always behind Gdog. From what I've heard/learned the russian SKS has a much better milled surface as opposed to the norinco chicom. The fit and finish is much better. The norinco I used to own had a habit of letting off 2 or3 round bursts. The upper reciever cover was loose and the after market scope mounted reciever cover was even looser. That said it shot true with a nice squeeze and recoil. It all comes down to the fact that you get what you pay for. Unfortunaily, the prices have gone through the roof. What should be a $150. piece is now $300. If we (American People) can influance the political arena then maybe things can go back to the status quo!
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The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
One drawback of the Yugos are frequent problems with the gas tubes. It's not uncommon to have to tweak that area of the rifle, and/or replace the tubes & pistons.
One Yugo that I had, would only fire a single round. It wouldn't eject due to leakage associated with the gas tube area. I replaced the tube, and tweaked it a number of times. So far it seems to be working OK.
Location: "...upon the east bank of Big Blue River, a mile or two north of the point where that stream crosses the Michigan road"
Posts: 1,646
After over 1000 rounds through my Yugo, I've never had the slightest problem with the gas tube, nor have I had to do any tweaking....just shoot and clean.
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"Be wary of strong drink. It can make you shoot at tax collectors... and miss." -- Lazarus Long
After over 1000 rounds through my Yugo, I've never had the slightest problem with the gas tube, nor have I had to do any tweaking....just shoot and clean.
same here, except i only shot a couple hundred of rounds though
Sounds like I'll be looking for a decent Russian. However, I might pick up a Yugo too if there's an aftermarket muzzle brake that screws on in place of the grenade launcher. (One for each hand).
The trouble with "Yugo" is I envision a small, cheap, disposable car...LOL.
I have a 58 Romanian I am awfully fond of and a later Chinese Norinco that had(s) issues once in awhile on a more regular basis than I would prefer. I had a Russian years ago that I should have never parted with!
I do want to get a Yugo because with the Yugo you can put a threaded flash supressor/brake on. Every other you would either have to get the barrel threaded or take your chances with those dangerous pin on type... if thats something you ever wanted to install in the first place.
I think the yugos built their rifles better than their cars! LOL probably as much metal in one as in the other!
__________________ Most of my life I've spent hunting,... the rest of it I've just wasted
Honestly?? As scarce as semi-autos are getting, Any SKS in good condition is a good SKS. I just bought an early Chinese one for $300 W/a good quality synthetic stock in nearly unfired condition. (I live in the PRK so $300 is reasonable).
